Have you ever received a dried good, such as beans, lentils, or split peas, and felt stumped on how to use them? Cooking with dried goods can seem daunting, especially if you’re used to using canned varieties. However, dried beans, lentils, and split peas are both affordable and often found in food pantries, so cooking with them is a great skill to gain confidence in. Continue reading for some tips and tricks on how to prepare dried ingredients and gain some cooking inspiration from Second Harvest recipes that utilize beans, lentils, and split peas.
Beans
Preparation Tips:
- First things first, you’ll want to sort and wash your beans. Look through your dried beans and throw out any shriveled beans or small stones that may have been left behind. Then, using a colander, rinse your beans with water to wash away any dust or dirt.
- The next step is often the most intimidating or confusing: soaking your beans! There are multiple methods for soaking beans:
- Overnight soak: If you plan your meal in advance, this is a great method to use! Simply place your beans in a large bowl and cover them with water until it’s double the height of the beans. This is important because dry beans will expand as they absorb water. Add in a pinch of salt, then place them in the fridge to soak overnight (4-12 hours).
- Quick soak: This method is best for last minute cooking. Add your beans to a pot, cover them with water, add a pinch of salt, and then bring the water to a boil. Then, remove your beans from the heat and allow them to soak for an hour, until they are soft.
- Next, once you’re ready to cook and use your beans, drain them from their soaking liquid and add them to a pot with fresh water. At this point, you could also add in any spices you may like, or flavor your beans with aromatics such as onions, carrots, celery, and bay leaves. Bring this water to a boil, and then simmer the beans until they’re tender.
- To store leftover beans, place your cooked beans in an airtight container with some cool water and store them in the fridge.
Recipe Ideas:
Lentils
Preparation Tips:
- Lentils are a bit easier than dried beans – they don’t require soaking! First, sort through your lentils to remove any small rocks or debris that may be mixed within them. Then, using a sieve, rinse your lentils.
- Next, add your lentils to a pot and fully submerge them in water. Unlike cooking rice or quinoa, you don’t need to worry about a specific amount of water. Bring the water to a boil, and then reduce it to a simmer.
- Add any spices you like to your lentils and simmer them until the lentils have absorbed the water and become tender. The exact time it takes will vary by type of lentil, but it will typically take 20-30 minutes. Taste test your lentils along the way to check when they become tender!
- Your lentils may absorb all the water (if they do, and are still not tender, add more water), but if there is additional water in your pot when you are done cooking, simply drain the excess water before eating.
Recipe Ideas:
Split Peas
Preparation Tips:
- Split peas also don’t require any soaking before they are ready to cook! Start by rinsing your dry split peas under cold water.
- Place your peas into a pot and cover them with water. Bring the liquid to a boil, then put a lid over your pot and reduce to a simmer. Timing will vary depending on the type of peas you are using, but you will want to simmer until the peas are tender, then drain any excess water. Green split peas cook a bit faster than other varieties, usually as quickly as 25-30 minutes.
Recipe Ideas:
We hope this guide will help cooking with dried goods feel less intimidating, as well as provide some inspiration for creative uses of beans, lentils, and split peas. Click here to find additional recipes utilizing these delicious ingredients on The Kitchen’s website. Happy cooking!
By Sophia Orsinelli
JVC Northwest AmeriCorps Nutrition Educator